Low orders, strong dollar soften wool market
The strong dollar, restricted off-shore interest and high volumes of one wool category on offer this week saw local prices ease.
The rapid rise in the New Zealand dollar just prior to auction saw a lowering of local wool prices in many areas says New Zealand Wool Services International (NZWSI).
Marketing executive, Paul Steel says that of the 18,200 bales on offer 88.4% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was up 1.78% compared to the last sale on 12th March.
Steel says that Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears ranged from firm to 5% dearer.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were generally firm. Coarse Shears were firm to 2% cheaper.
First Lambs were firm to 1.5% cheaper overall.
Long Oddments were 2 to 7% easier with short types firm to 3% down.
There remains strong interest from China and Australasia with support from the Middle East, Western Europe, India, and the United Kingdom.
Next sale on 26th March comprises approximately 9,500 bales from the South Island.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…